The 1954 film On the Waterfront gives its viewers an extremely realistic look into the hero’s journey. Terry Malloy, played by famed realist actor Marlon Brando, reluctantly becomes the protagonist of the film with the help of Edie Doyle and Father Barry by removing the power from the Irish mob and returning it to those who live and work on the waterfront. Terry’s journey and transformation throughout the film contain striking elements of realism.
One of the most attractive features of realism is that it allows the audience to relate to the protagonist by putting the main character into realistic situations or by giving them relatable character traits. In class, we discussed the idea of Jefferson Smith, from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, as being “too perfect” of a hero: he has very few, if any, character flaws and is able to win over the senate and the girl with very little resistance. Terry Malloy, on the other hand, must deal with several obstacles before transforming into the hero of the film. Not only does he have to defy the group with which he has associated for years, he also must figure out how to manage his new relationship with Edie while feeling torn between two opposing groups. Marlon Brando’s performance allows us to truly understand Terry’s plight and indecisiveness of his decision (the refusal of the call). Brando gives us a very real character, in which Terry’s plight captures us as viewers as we both root for him and relate to him. Terry’s transformation throughout the film ultimately leads to his success, while giving us a more realistic insight into the journey of a hero.
However, the true credit to the realistic nature of the film can be given to director Elia Kazan. Looking further into Kazan’s past, I noticed that he directed the stage production of Death of a Salesman. Death of a Salesman contains quintessential elements of realism, with Willy Loman as the tragic protagonist of the play in a typical 1940’s household. The characters are recognizable, relatable, and lower-middle/middle class. Willy Loman and his family are held down by oppressive forces that do not allow them to achieve the American Dream, an idea well recognized among the lower middle class in the 1940’s. Kazan’s ability to direct the realist play earns him a Tony award in 1949. He uses this ability to direct realism on the stage when he is chosen to direct the film On the Waterfront, and we are given characters that are just as believable as Willy Loman and his sons, and a set as recognizable as Willy’s kitchen. The presence of realism that Kazan adds simply allows for believable characters and plot, with Terry acting as the most reliable hero that we have seen so far.
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